The leaves are densely borne in alternate formation on short spurs that are produced on the main stems.

Brya ebenus grows in scrublands (tropical terrestrial biome), needs full sunlight and flowers sporadically throughout the year.

As in many Faboideae, the Jamaican rain tree has bacterial nodules in its roots, which fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, allowing growth in poor soils.

Brya ebenus is cultivated as an ornamental, for bonsai trees, and for its valuable wood.

Cocus wood is a very dense tropical hardwood with excellent musical tone quality, and was used for making flutes in England and France especially during the 19th century.